With a total of 243,042 kilometers (151,019 miles), Canada’s coastline is the longest in the world and offers more than its share of seaside adventures. A myriad of oceansides with big waves, miles of sandy shoreline, and some of the world’s top beach towns can be found on both coasts.
It would be hard to grow tired of exploring the country’s various beaches since they are so different. Many towns and villages along the coast also have long, fascinating histories that give tourists and locals a real taste of the past.
These areas are secure, cozy, and soothing places to settle down or retire, so many people wind up falling in love with them and moving there permanently. When it comes to seafood, it doesn’t matter which coast you’re on; you’ll find an endless supply of the freshest catches.
These top Canadian seaside cities are must-visits for every vacationer or potential resident, regardless of whether you want to go fishing, boating, whale watching, paddling, surfing, or photographing icebergs.
Here’s a look at the top beach towns in Canada to live and visit, in no particular order:
Cavendish, Prince Edward Island
The little seaside town of Cavendish is ideal for locals and tourists looking for a tranquil spot to stay, work, and play. Located on the north shore of Prince Edward Island (PEI) in the Gulf of St. Lawrence, it boasts amazing people and a wide variety of offerings.
In the 19th and early 20th centuries, Cavendish was an agricultural village. However, in 1908, it gained widespread attention as the setting for the farmhouse in Lucy Maud Montgomery’s Anne of Green Gables novels.
Although its year-round population was just 323 (as of the 2021 Census), the town comes to life and sees an increase to over 7,500 during the warmer summer months. Residents like this location in Prince Edward Island for its affordability, proximity to other provinces, and plenty of outdoor activities.
Cavendish is one of the island’s busiest tourist spots in the summer because of its picturesque golf courses, restaurants, red cliffs, pristine beaches, and many other tourist attractions. People from all over the world come to Cavendish Beach every summer to swim, surf, and just relax in the sun.
After a day on the sands, stroll down the boardwalk, which is home to a wide variety of shops, boutiques, boutique eateries, and souvenir stands. Check out Joey’s Deep Sea Fishing charter rides for more entertainment, or visit the Green Gables Heritage Place.
Shediac, New Brunswick
With its lovely beaches and unexpectedly calm seas, Shediac is the ideal nautical beach retreat. The town takes great pride in its designation as the “lobster capital of the world”, to the point that it built a 90-ton, 11-meter/36-foot-tall monument of a lobster.
In 1751, the first Acadians came to Shediac after the Acadian Exodus from mainland Nova Scotia. This coastal community of 7,535 people (as of the Census of 2021) is an amazing area to plant roots due to its rich history and vibrant culture. Not only does Shediac have a fantastic beach, but it also has outdoor cafes, stores, galleries, seafood restaurants, and one of the biggest open-air markets in Atlantic Canada.
Surprisingly for a place in Canada, the ocean off the coast of Shediac may become relatively warm (up to 24 °C, or 75 °F) in the summer. The town is also the well-known Parlee Beach location, a long sand expanse filled with lodging options, tourist destinations, and swimming holes.
Access to the beach is free of charge. In July, the town celebrates its lobster fishing heritage with a festival.
Twillingate Island, Newfoundland and Labrador
One of the greatest spots in the nation to escape the rush of everyday life and enjoy breathtaking scenery and nonstop family fun is Twillingate, a tiny island in the North Atlantic Ocean. It’s known as the “Iceberg Capital of the World”. This is a terrific area to live, work, and raise a family since it has all the conveniences of a contemporary city while maintaining a more relaxed pace of life.
As far back as 3,500 years ago, around 1500 BC, the Maritime Archaic people lived in the region. There are now 2,121 inhabitants in the town (Census 2021). This Newfoundland and Labrador jewel, Twillingate, is a popular summertime getaway for Canadians, but only some tourists from other countries ever make it there.
Even while whale watching and iceberg boat excursions draw the most visitors to the island, those who want to remain on land will find much to do. Visit museums, charming coastal shops, seafood restaurants, and miles of picturesque hiking paths and beaches.
Sleepy Cove, Back Harbour, French Beach, and Sellens Cove Beach, located at the end of the road behind the Twillingate Museum, are some of the most well-known beaches in the area. Wild Cove and Little Wild Cove both have expansive beaches with picturesque vistas.
A few of these coasts include sandy areas perfect for lounging, and it’s not unusual for the waters to ice over in the winter. You may observe residents strolling on the ice if you visit during the winter, but you should only follow them if you are confident in the area’s safety.
White Rock, British Columbia
Located less than an hour from Vancouver proper, White Rock is a cool coastal community on the west side of Canada. The gorgeous shores, beaches, pier, and assortment of modern restaurants and cafés make this city of 21,522 (Census 2021) a favorite summertime getaway.
Records show that from Boundary Bay to Birch Bay, the Straits Salish people ruled the area for a good chunk of the 18th and 19th centuries, even though the city wasn’t formally founded until 1957. White Rock is a fantastic destination to visit for a few days and a wonderful place to live. It has a convenient proximity to major cities and even the Peace Arch border crossing to the United States.
White Rock has Canada’s longest pier at over 1,540 feet, making it a prime place to stroll along the ocean. The beach area is split in half by a small ridge in the sand known to locals simply as “The Hump”, creating East Beach and West Beach. Many people gather on the shore to enjoy the sun, make sandcastles, fly kites, comb the shore for treasures in tidal pools, and generally have a good time.
West Beach is where you’ll find White Rock’s iconic pier, where many local kids enjoy fishing or setting traps for crabs from the docks. The White Rock Polar Bear Plunge, the White Rock Sea Festival, and a series of free summer concerts on the pier are just a few of the numerous activities that the town puts on each year.
Lawrencetown, Nova Scotia
Locals and visitors flock to Lawrencetown, a charming town on Nova Scotia’s Eastern Shore, just a short drive from Halifax. In addition to the stunning beach for which this region is famous, there is a wealth of exciting sights and experiences to be had here.
No matter the season, Lawrencetown is a wonderful spot and a pleasant place to call home. There are only approximately 979 residents (Census 2015), therefore, the community is relatively safe and pleasant.
The little cafés and eateries provide a feel for the easygoing East Coast lifestyle. Various seasonal activities, many hiking paths, a wildlife rehabilitation facility, and even the Fisherman’s Life Museum ensure that visitors will never be bored.
Lawrencetown Beach, located in a provincial park, has emerged as surfers’ top choice because of its unique character. There are several opportunities to take lessons in this region, making it an ideal location to learn the sport.
If you want to avoid the crowds of people at Lawrencetown Beach, the Cole Harbour-Lawrencetown Coastal Heritage Park and Conrad’s Beach are excellent alternatives. Although Conrad’s is smaller than others in the area, it has a boardwalk that is part of the Nova Scotia Coastal Heritage Park System.
Tofino, British Columbia
Tucked away on Vancouver Island, Tofino is one of Canada’s well-known coastal resort communities, owing to its location in one of the most beautiful spots in the world. This town is popular among surfers and hikers due to the number of waves and the variety of forested routes on the peninsula.
Tofino, with a population of around 2,516 (Census 2021), is large enough to provide enough services for residents while being small enough to be a fantastic holiday destination. In the winter, the town’s hiking trails are almost deserted, and the streets are peaceful and quiet.
Don’t miss the three-day Oyster Festival if you happen to be in town in November. The community is known for its beautiful beaches and variety of outdoor-themed restaurants and shops, all of which are easily accessible whether you’re exploring the town by land or water.
This seaside city has been hailed as one of the top coastal towns in the West and one of the best surfing beaches in North America. Long Beach in Pacific Rim National Park is the most popular and is often regarded as the best sands. This 16-kilometer (9.9-mile-long) stretch of coastline is edged right against the Pacific Ocean.
Cox Bay Beach, Florencia Bay Beach, and Mackenzie Bay Beach are also well-liked by locals and visitors alike.
Eastport, Newfoundland
Newfoundlanders and visitors alike have always found peace and friendliness on the Eastport Peninsula. Additionally, many people visit Eastport to enjoy its stunning sandy beaches, quaint fishing towns, and thriving arts scene.
In the 2021 Census, the town’s population was only 527, making it a quiet place to settle down or escape from the bustle of a more significant metropolis. The timber industry was driven out of the area when the Terra Nova National Park was established in the 1950s, making it perfect for campers and hikers.
Visit the town in August for the annual SeaFest and Winterset in Summer Literary Festival. Or stop by for the day and relax on the beach.
Because of its four beaches and wonderful waterfront views, Eastport is a popular vacation and retirement spot. In addition, the Beaches Heritage Center is located there. Sandy Cove is a lovely and well-kept beach that has the peninsula’s longest sandy stretch of sand. There are gazebos, benches, parking, changing rooms, restrooms, and picnic spots.
Burgeo, Newfoundland and Labrador
Burgeo in Newfoundland and Labrador is a community on the coast with a rich history and a population of 1,176 (as of the 2021 Census). It’s an outpost settlement on the southern shore of Grandy Island, and it has some neat neighborhoods and cheap housing options.
White sand beaches with ocean views, the islands of the archipelago, coves, hiking and walking paths, camping, birding, kayak trips, and more can all be found around the region. The Burgeo Museum displays items from various ships that formerly used the port, highlighting several centuries of local history. You can also go to a nearby nature reserve and Farley Mowat’s house, who was a Canadian author and environmentalist.
Most visitors come to Sandbanks Provincial Park to enjoy its five beaches, which stretch for 7 kilometers (4.35 miles) of white sand. The beaches are worth the effort required to get them, and it may appear as if you have the beach to yourself because of how few people are usually there. The sandy area is also linked to the scenic Aaron’s Arm boardwalk walkway.
Victoria, British Columbia
Victoria, located on the Pacific coast, is a unique place ripe with adventure. Situated between the Salish Sea and the enormous rainforests of Vancouver Island, this capital city of British Columbia has exciting attractions, lovely hotels, and fresh farm-to-table eating.
Incorporated in 1862 and named after Britain’s then-reigning monarch, Victoria’s current population is 91,867 (as of the 2021 Census). The town’s British roots can still be seen in its horse-drawn carriages, double-decker buses, and cozy tea houses. They go well with Victoria’s colorful gardens, old buildings, and charming harbor.
Also, the city is known as a place where foreign culture, art, and food come together. This makes it an easy place to live and stay in touch with the rest of the world. The area has many beautiful beaches where you can picnic, swim, do water sports, and go boating or kayaking.
It’s no wonder Willows Beach is one of Victoria’s most popular because of its stunning white sand that seems to go on forever. The China Beach day-use area and China Beach Campground are two of the four main parts of Juan de Fuca Provincial Park, which is on the southwest coast of Vancouver Island.
Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island
Charlottetown is the biggest city in PEI and has held the title of capital since 1765. This coastal metropolis is a cultural mecca, teeming with festivals, exhibitions, galleries, boutiques, and top-tier eateries
French soldiers first arrived when stationed at nearby Fortress Louisbourg and established a colony they called Port La Joye on the southwest side of the harbor, just opposite the modern city, in 1720. Present-day residents (as of the 2021 Census) number about 38,809, and culturally, the city is both contemporary and historic.
In the heart of Charlottetown, you can still see many of the same gingerbread-clad residences, beautiful churches, and towering government buildings that were there in the 19th century. Uniquely, this area is where the convention that led to the founding of Canada took place.
The city takes great pride in its status as the “Birthplace of Confederation”. Throughout the summer, the downtown streets are populated with persons costumed as historical figures.
Charlottetown and the surrounding area include some of the island’s loveliest beaches and shoreline. There’s a wonderful seashore for everybody who wants to relax in the sun, play in the water, construct a sand castle, go for a promenade, or take photos of a breathtaking sunset. One of the most popular, Brackley Beach, is a long expanse of satisfying sand and sea with towering dune formations and crystal blue water.
Vancouver, British Columbia
Vancouver is famous for its high-rise buildings, multicultural population, and stunning natural setting. The Pacific Ocean is often considered to be Vancouver’s most appealing natural feature, and the city’s beaches are an excellent place to take advantage of this.
According to excavations done in the Vancouver region, Aboriginal people settled there between 8,000 and 10,000 years ago. Approximately 662,248 people called the city their home as of the 2021 Census, making it a vibrant spot to start a business, raise a family, or settle down in a manageable metropolis.
Vancouver is one of the most livable cities in the world, partially due to its public beaches and waterfront access. Spending a few days in this exciting city is a great way to get a feel for real life in Western Canada.
Its eight oceanfront beaches provide miles of scenic open area perfect for sunbathing, swimming, sports, and picnicking. Kitsilano “Kits” Beach, English Bay Beach, Jericho Beach, Second Beach, Locarno Beach, Sunset Beach, Third Beach, and Spanish Banks Beach are the city’s available shores.
Public toilets and changing facilities are available all year long in Vancouver, and lifeguards patrol the beaches from late May (Victoria Day) to early September (Labor Day). Water wheelchairs are available on several beaches, although advanced booking is required.
Add these to your itinerary when planning a trip to Canada’s leading beach towns and coastal cities You’ll have a wonderful time strolling down the shore, indulging in seafood, or just soaking in the breathtaking scenery.
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